Covid-19 makes me feel I’m confined in a big prison: PM tells parliament

Saying that she feels like she’s confined in a big prison due to the Covid-19 situation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the parliament that she met everyone during the session and had a wonderful time.

Saying that she feels like she's confined in a big prison due to the Covid-19 situation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the parliament that she met everyone during the session and had a wonderful time.

"I feel like I'm confined in a big prison. I come when parliament is in session, where I have a chance to see everyone. I had a wonderful time," Hasina said while delivering her winding up speech at the concluding sitting of the 11th session of parliament.

In her speech, Hasina, also Leader of the House, thanked all the officials and employees of the Parliament Secretariat and other departments who had come to parliament braving the health risks during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

PM also recommended to the Speaker to provide them an honorarium equal to one month's basic salary.

The Prime Minister said she always prays for the people of the country to be freed from coronavirus.

The eleventh session of 11th parliament, that begun on January 18, was prorogued today.

NO SERIOUS SIDE EFFECT OF COVID-19 VACCINE REPORTED

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the parliament that no side effect of the Covid-19 vaccine has been reported so far.

"Some complained of soreness in the arm [the site of inoculation] and some people had fever. But the number of such persons were four to five, not much. We are monitoring this," Hasina said.

The Prime Minister said Covid-19 vaccines have already reached all districts and the vaccination will start from February 7 or 8.

"We have already given necessary instructions including carrying out antibody test. Those who want vaccine will have to register," the Prime Minister added.

Highlighting various steps taken to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister said the whole world, including the UN Secretary General, has praised Bangladesh. But there was no appreciation in the country, she said.

The prime minister said the innate nature of BNP is to spread rumours. "Let them speak, we will serve people through our work."

The premier said before the vaccines arrived in the country, there was a lot of criticism. Arrival of the vaccines is the answer to all this criticism, she said.

The Prime Minister urged everyone to wear masks and follow hygiene rules even after getting vaccinated until the world becomes Covid-19 free.

BNP SUFFERING FROM LACK OF LEADERSHIP

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told the parliament that BNP is now suffering from leadership crisis and people have no trust and confidence in a party when convicts and fugitives are at the helm of the party, she said.

She said since people are now getting services from Awami League, the country is developing. "Awami League has gained people's trust and confidence. We saw its reflection in the local government elections."

"Now voting is being held through electronic voting machines (EVM) and there is no scope of vote-rigging. I thank people as they are exercising their voting rights and expressing their opinions."

There is no system for influencing the election using muscle power, she said.